Our Mission

Explore Austin combines mentoring, leadership, and outdoor adventure to empower youth to reach their full potential. Through outdoor adventure and long-term mentorship, Explore Austin supports adventurous youth from economically-disadvantaged communities as they develop into confident and courageous adults.

Our Culture

We approach our mission with intention, believing that making time for exploration cultivates self-discovery. Leading with equity, we strive to remove barriers to outdoor adventure. We boldly embrace change and adapt to the evolving needs of our community. We celebrate the journey – sharing our wins and learning from our losses. Fostering a space of trust and belonging, we establish a culture of courage, commitment, and gratitude. 

The Operations Coordinator will work closely with the Program Manager to coordinate logistical needs for program activities and support a culture of safety. They will provide oversight for adventure guiding and manage adventure operations to improve risk management compliance. The Operations Coordinator will implement best practices to enhance the day-to-day warehouse operations as well as play a pivotal role in the overall operational efficiency of Summer Wilderness Trips. The Operations Coordinator must be available to work five weeks during summer programming, allowing one week to attend a summer wilderness trip as a staff person. Position will not allow for Trip Leading on Saturdays. 

Job Responsibilities:

Organize & Inventory Gear: 

• Develop and implement new systems for organization.
• Clean and organize the warehouse on a weekly basis.
• Organize emergency medical equipment including first aid kits and emergency communication devices. 
• Maintain warehouse inventory, including tracking, and labeling. 
• Complete two full gear inventories each year.
• Follow systems for gear management and orient staff to gear storage procedures. 
• Develop and manage a rental gear program for the EA community.

Safety and Compliance: 

• Knowledge and competency in following policies, procedures and safety guidelines. 
• Follow and implement program safety regulations and emergency procedures. 
• Participate in pre-trip pack outs, assisting Trip Leaders as needed.
• Participate in post trip gear de-issues, assuring proper handling of gear. 
• Perform weekly tailgate/safety meetings (15 mins). 
• Perform pre/post trip vehicle inspections. 
• Train Trip Leaders on new processes and enforce existing processes. 

Maintain & Repair Damaged Gear:

• Assess all gear post-trip for cleanliness and needed repair. 
• Order replacements for gear that is damaged beyond repair.
• Maintain and repair bike fleet (40+ mountain bikes), work through everything from minor adjustments to major repairs.
• Maintain organized systems for tracking repair needs.

Vehicle & Trailer Maintenance:

• Organize and schedule routine vehicle maintenance, including weekly checks, oil changes, tire balance and rotations, and safety inspections. 
• Create a vehicle plan to track required maintenance on vans & trailers. 
• Take vans to the mechanic when needed.
• Clean vehicles and trailers. 
• Perform basic maintenance tasks (check oil, replace lights, etc.)
• Make a weekly plan for which teams are using which vans and trailers for Saturday Challenges. 
• Reserve needed transport for the summer and coordinate arrival plans with program staff. 

Purchase Food and Supplies:

• Purchase food for groups up to 120 people on a weekly basis, and inventory and manage refrigerator and food cabinets. 
• Purchase additional supplies (trash bags, paper towels, etc.) as needed. 
• Research and purchase equipment and gear for Summer Wilderness Trips. 

Garage Sale and other duties:

• Coordinate annual garage sale event to sell unused or retired gear.
• Collect extra donations for garage sale.
• Advertise and promote the garage sale.
• Booking Saturday Challenge vendors. 
• Assist with the research and planning of summer trips, including booking campsites.  
• Track gear purchases for grants. 
• Prepare vehicle paperwork packets and emergency kits.  

Qualifications: 

3 + years of experience working with wilderness programs, outdoor education, residential camps or related field.

Familiarity with a wide variety of outdoor gear including backpacks, climbing gear, canoes, mountain bikes and other technical apparel. 

Comfortable driving a 15-passenger van, hitching and hauling a trailer. 

Strong communication, problem-solving and organizational skills. 

Advanced bike maintenance skills, preferred. 

Basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance.

Certified First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor or willing to become certified within 6 months of employment. 

Wilderness medicine knowledge.

Team player and independent worker. 

Ability to work Tuesday – Saturday with some frequency and travel in support of the program in summer months.

Compensation: Salary range is $45,000 – 50,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Candidates selected for an interview will be requested to provide 3 references with 1 being a former supervisor.

Benefits:

● Flexible work schedule

● 100% health and dental coverage

● Enrollment in 401k program with a company match of 3%

● 4 weeks vacation, flexible sick leave

● 12 company holidays + your birthday

● Monthly wellness reimbursement

● Generous parental leave

● 1 week during the summer to join a Summer Wilderness Trip (not counted against PTO)

● An incredible team and community!